Owners Lydia and Matthew Murnion celebrate the launch of M.A.R.T.Y., their new mobile axe-throwing range from Axe Republic, during a ribbon cutting hosted by the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce at Alewerks Brewing Company. From left are Rebecca Leser, chief of staff for Del. Jessica Anderson; Lydia Murnion; Matthew Murnion; Ann Bowe of the chamber; and James City County Board of Supervisors member Barbara Null. (Jillian Appel/WYDaily)
WILLIAMSBURG — A ribbon cutting at Alewerks Brewing Company on May 6 marked the debut of a new mobile axe-throwing range designed to bring the experience to festivals, fairs and community events.
The unit, called M.A.R.T.Y. — short for Mobile Axe Range and Throwing Yard — was created by local business Axe Republic, owned by Lydia and Matthew Murnion. The couple took over the business in 2022, after having their third date at the range back in 2019.
“People have asked, ‘We want you at this event. We have this fair going on. We have this festival,’ and we weren’t able to support our community in the way we were being asked to,” Lydia Murnion said about the decision to open the mobile axe range.
The unit was built by Matthew Murnion and features symmetrical targets on each side, which the owners say allows for customized setups for different events.
“[Matthew] has a lot of welding experience in his family; his father and his brothers are welders,” said Lydia Murnion on the construction of the mobile unit.
The ribbon cutting at Alewerks was hosted by the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and attended by James City County Board of Supervisors member Barbara Null and a representative from Del. Jessica Anderson’s office, which also presented a certificate recognizing the launch.
“James City County residents and entrepreneurs, we need to have businesses like this in the county. And this is fun,” Null said during the ceremony.
For more information about Axe Republic, visit axerepublic.com.
